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President Jacob Zuma. Photo: Etienne Creux
The SA Air Force has admitted a plane that shadowed President Jacob Zuma on his recent visit to the United States did so all the way to New York.
“The aircraft was there because there was a time-critical engagement on the way back,” air force chief Lt-Gen Carlo Gagiano told reporters in Johannesburg.
A standby aircraft was vital to ensure the president did not miss this appointment.
“I decided if we had to guarantee time sensitive flights we had to do it. 1/8We must be 3/8 99.9 percent sure we get our principal there on time.”
He was responding to reports earlier this week that a second jet had landed at John F Kennedy International Airport where Zuma was attending a United Nations meeting.
The defence ministry however said on Thursday the Bombardier Global Express only flew halfway and landed in the Canary Islands. It remained there until Zuma flew back to South Africa, the ministry said.
Media reported that the plane was seen in US airspace and that audio of it landing at JFK airport last week, confirmed it flew using an SA Air Force call sign.
Defence ministry spokesman Ndivhuwo Mabaya denied that the plane had followed Zuma into the US.
Gagiano blamed the conflicting reports on a breakdown in communication between himself and Mabaya.
Mabaya said the defence ministry did not have to “justify” itself to anyone.
“The funfair about the president's plane must come to an end,” he said.
Gagiano said the military had a responsibility to help uphold South Africa's prestige by transporting the president safely and on time to international engagements.
“ (VIP transport is) extremely complex and important to the international image of the country.
“Who will make the speech if the president (Jacob Zuma) can't make it?”
Gagiano said it was a “huge embarrassment” when Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe had to cancel an official visit to Finland due to a problem with his aircraft.
Transporting VIPs was “extremely complex”.
Media reports about problems with the air force's aircraft was also making its passengers uneasy.
“My passengers are now nervous because they read in the papers how unsafe our planes are,” said Gagiano.
“They stress because they think when is this aircraft going to fall apart.” - Sapa
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mdk, wrote
Lie lie lie... deny deny deny... Lt General "corporal" Gagiano must think the public are as gullible as a recruit. We're not swallowing your nonsense! VIP travel is no more complicated that normal travel other than you're dealing with 40 year old prima donnas. As for the planes being unsafe? How is that "OUR" fault and why should we be paying for it? The general should resign because he has let the situation get so bad on HIS WATCH, while he has been in charge.
Anonymous, wrote
You all got it wrong! How on earth are you going to accommodate all the luggage, food and absolute neccessary refreshments plus all his wifes, children and in-laws in one plane.
john, wrote
you must be joking is he the only one that can speak english what is his diplomatic core there for
Sean Hearnfnn72, wrote
I love how Mabaya says that the defense ministry doesn't have to 'justify' itself to anyone. Not the media, taxpayer...anyone! A prelude to the type of thing we won't hear about after the new POIB is passed
correspondent, wrote
any one can make the Presidents (JZ) speeches because he reads it.. to dom to know it off by heart,,
Dolphinz, wrote
I do understand the necessity of having a plane for president and even a 2nd one, because of problems. What I don't like is the lying about it. Their credibility then goes out of the window and I wonder what else they lie about. How embarrassing. The truth will eventually come out.
Gaina, wrote
Why lie, always the lies just to cover up the lavish spending of our money. Someone should tell Zuma that he cant change planes in mid air if something goes wrong, thats a movie stunt. One of these days we will see a plan for each of the wifes and "fiancees" following the presidential plane Hu boy, what a banana republic, this lot are grander than the queen of England or the pope!
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